METAL PULP AND PAPER: Hello Madame Mayhem. So glad to be catching up with you. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Metal Pulp And Paper. We appreciate it.

How are you? How is the end of your summer going so far?

MADAME MAYHEM: I’m great, it’s great! Currently on our US tour that goes through October 15th, then we go on tour with Fozzy and Hardcore Superstar in the UK and Europe.

MPAP: You’re currently doing 18 shows in the US with Austin John Winkler (formerly the voice of Hinder) and SmileEmpty Soul on the Love Sick Radio Tour. Then, with a short breather, you’re off to the UK, Germany, and Italy at the end of October with Fozzy and Hardcore Superstar? Are you looking forward to that?

MM: Yes! I am really looking forward to it. It’s going to be high energy shows, and an overall amazing experience.

MPAP: We’ll get more into the tour here shortly, but let’s talk about your new release coming out called Ready For Me due out October 20th, 2017 (via Metalville label in the UK and Europe, and HeadBall Records in the US). What can you tell us about it?

MM: I am really proud of this new release. All the songs on this album are very personal to me. The lyrics come from real life experiences I was dealing with at the time, and some topics I continue to struggle with today. I hope the listeners can relate to the new music and make it part of their own lives.

MPAP: What can your diehard fans expect to hear when they listen to it for the first time? Doing anything different from your previous release, Now You Know? Anything up your sleeve? MM: Fans can expect modern hard rock, hard hitting, high-energy, melodic, catchy, relatable songs.

MPAP: Ready For Me features a powerhouse team of rock talent, including producer Corey Lowery (Saint Asonia), Clint Lowery (Sevendust), Troy McLawhorn (Evanescence), and both Bevan Davies and Ryan Bennett (Madame Mayhem) on drums. Wow, you almost can’t get any better than that? What is it like having those names in your corner?

MM: It’s always great collaborating with such talented musicians. Co-writing with Corey and Clint was so comfortable; it allowed me to really open up creatively. I am so thrilled about how this album turned out.

MPAP: All the songs on the new release are very personal to you, you said. Songs about your frustrations, trying to get through the rough times, your insecurities, and the anxieties that you have. And to top it off, might as well throw in a devastating relationship in there. With all of that going on, it must have been tough to focus on things? Especially focus on your music. How in the hell did any of the songs see the light of day from you not running off to a deserted island with a cave to just hide from all of it?

MM: Haha, well writing and recording these songs were actually very therapeutic. I am happiest when I am working on my craft; creating music and performing, so working on Ready For Me actually helped me cope and deal with all of the things I was writing about.

MPAP: Do you think it was a blessing in disguise so you could make Ready For Me?

MM: I guess you could say that. I think the record turned out as relatable lyrically as it did because of it.

MPAP: Did it feel good to make this record then? Get everything out on the table, spilling your guts you could say almost?MM: Absolutely. I tend to spill my guts when I write songs and perform (figuratively of course). The first time I listened through the album in its entirety, I realized I was really telling the world a whole lot of about myself, my secrets, and my life.

MPAP: I’d hope not, but will you need more bad things to happen to you to be able to write your next album? Or have you risen from the ashes and gained so much experience that you won’t need to go back to those dark places again?

MM: I write music on all experiences, good or bad. My experiences will not affect my song writing, only possibly the content what I am writing about. We are all stronger than we know, no matter what happens to us in life.

MPAP: You’ve mentioned why you called your new album Ready For Me. You said, ‘you’re not ready for me.’ Why do you think we’re not ready for you? Do you have a lot of rage and anger built up inside?

MM: I don’t have rage and anger built up. It’s about being different and people not accepting someone because of that, but no matter what, being proud of who you are. That’s the message that should be getting across. Music, songs, titles, lyrics are all open for interpretation for whomever is listening to it. That’s what makes music so special. MPAP: With Ready For Me almost out for everyone to hear, how would you say you’ve musically grown since Addicted To You came out in January 2011?

MM: I feel I have grown musically with every release. MPAP: Getting back to your current tour. How is it going so far? Meeting new fans, making new friends along the way?MM: Everything is going great! I love meeting fans and making new friends along the way!

MPAP: This US jaunt is just under 4 weeks long. Do you like being out on the road? Is it just part of the music business, or do you really like it? MM: Performing live is my favorite thing. So yes, I enjoy it.

MPAP: Sometimes the fans don’t get to hear about what it takes for musicians to get to the next venue and play, especially when they must travel overseas and be away from home, loved ones, family, and friends. Is there anything you do to prepare for a long tour?

MM: I love collaborating with other musicians and I have been fortunate to collaborate with many rock talents. Would be cool to collaborate with Trent Reznor, Metallica, Brandon Boyd, Disturbed, just to name a few. MPAP: All good things must come to an end. On behalf of myself, and Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Madame Mayhem, for spending some time with us and getting to know you. Look forward to what Madame Mayhem does to finish out 2017 and beyond. Any last words you’d like to say to the readers and all your fans worldwide out there?